1. Inventory the originals
Gather .pub files, linked images and any fonts you are licensed to retain. Keep an untouched backup. Record the publication name, owner and whether someone still needs to edit it.
ARCHIVE GUIDE · UPDATED 8 SEPTEMBER 2026
Microsoft Publisher retirement: an archive checklist
Start with the files you cannot afford to lose. Keep the originals, make readable copies and check that those copies preserve the work.
Two dates to plan around
Microsoft says Microsoft 365 subscribers lose Publisher access after 1 October 2026. Support for the perpetual version ends on 13 October 2026; the installed perpetual version can still be used afterwards, without support.
Confirm your licence and available installation now. See Microsoft’s Publisher retirement guidance.
2. Make a reference PDF
If you still have Publisher, open each important original and export a PDF while that access is available. Keep the PDF alongside the .pub file. A readable PDF does not replace an editable original.
3. Test your Apple workflow
Open a copy of a representative .pub file in PubHarbor. Review its compatibility notes before exporting. Start with a simple publication and one containing the fonts, images and layouts common in your archive.
4. Compare page by page
Check page count, line breaks, missing text, image cropping, colours and substituted fonts against the reference. Search for a known phrase in the exported PDF. Keep a note of any differences.
5. Store a usable archive
Keep originals, reference PDFs and checked exports in separate named folders. Retain a second backup. Reopen a few exported PDFs in another reader before treating the archive as finished.
6. Plan future editing separately
PubHarbor is a viewer and archive converter, not a Publisher editor. Publications that need ongoing design changes may need rebuilding in an actively supported authoring tool.
Try a real publication before purchasing.
Three distinct imports are free. PubHarbor Pro is a one-time in-app purchase for professional export and archive workflows. Conversion fidelity varies by file; review compatibility notes and preserve your originals.